WHO WE HELP

Children and Adolescents

We provide therapy to children of all ages utilizing various age specific approaches.

Adults

We provide therapy to individuals seeking an increase in positive behaviors, emotional wellbeing, and interpersonal connectedness.

Couples

We provide therapy for couples who desire to become emotionally re-connected, and could be experiencing conflict.

Families

We provide therapy wholistically to families seeking to increase their overall well-being, or who may be experiencing some kind of distress within the family system

MEET THE TEAM

Denise Griggs - LMSW, ACSW

Denise has a BS from Central Michigan University with a major in psychology. She obtained her masters in social work from Grand Valley State University in 1992. She has continued her clinical education by attending seminars and trainings on a regular basis. Denise is a licensed masters level social worker in the state of Michigan and is a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers at a national level. She is a certified Family Wellness instructor and assists in the building of strong families through education of the parent team and the building of a solid marriage.

Susan Gill - LMSW, ACSW

Susan Gill, LMSW, ACSW is a licensed Masters level Social Worker in the State of Michigan. Susan received her Masters Degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University in 1998. She received her Bachelors Degree in Social Work from Calvin College in 1996. She has been a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers through the National Association of Social Workers since 2003 and a Certified Family Wellness Instructor since 2001. She has taught at the University of Phoenix in the Human Services Program and was also an adjunct professor with Grand Valley State University in the School of Social Work. She has provided supervision of MSW interns through GVSU.

Matt Thatcher - MA, LPC

Matthew Thatcher, MA, LPC is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Michigan and Illinois. In 2011 Matthew was awarded his Master’s degree in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, in Chicago. He received his Bachelors of Arts degree from Western Michigan University in 2006, where he majored in psychology and criminal justice. He has been apart of the Northwest Counseling team for well over 3 years, and has taught in an adjunct position at Muskegon Community College.

Jeffrey Hollander - LMSW

Jeffrey Hollander is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He received his MSW from the University of Michigan, with Special Studies in Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Jeff has been working with substance abuse clients and families of substance abusers throughout his career. He continues to build his knowledge of substance abuse disorders and co- occurring disorders through continuing education.

In addition to providing services as a Clinical Therapist, Jeff has experience in program development, supervision, and in community relations. He has worked as an outpatient therapist not only in substance abuse but also in geriatrics and as a therapist for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Amanda Tolar, BSW, LLMSW

Amanda is a clinical social worker who specializes in working with people who have survived trauma. She received her B.S.W. with a generalist perspective from Ferris State University in 2009 and her M.S.W. with an interpersonal practice perspective and trauma across the lifespan specialization from Western Michigan University in 2018. Amanda’s core belief is that people are inherently good; doing the best they know how to do with what they have, and that they would do better if they knew how to do better.

However, a variety of life events (especially trauma – an extremely upsetting event that overwhelms coping abilities and can produce psychological symptoms) can occur and lead a person down the road of making unhealthy life choices. This includes engaging in harmful coping mechanisms to meet their needs if they are not sufficiently supported in their mental health and social supports. As a result, the effects of trauma can be severe, pervasive and intergenerational if not properly addressed. Armed with this knowledge and training, Amanda practices from a trauma-informed cognitive-behavioral methodology, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (including Trauma Focused-CBT), Trauma Systems Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, as well as Strengths-based and Solution- Focused approaches. Through this trauma-informed lens, she asks the question “What happened to you?” rather than “What is wrong with you?” Amanda recognizes that traumatic events make people feel unsafe and powerless, and seeks to create an environment where clients can feel safe and empowered. Through the principles of honesty and teamwork, Amanda aims to reverse damaging trauma messages, such as “your voice doesn’t matter” and facilitate a transformation from just surviving to thriving.

Amanda is experienced in working with children and adults, as well as individual and groups. She has worked in a variety of contexts including Catholic Social Services, Big Rapids Middle School providing bereavement services, Arbor Circle with homeless youth, Thresholds Inc. with developmentally disabled and mentally ill adults, St. Mary’s Hospital as an emergency social worker, and Our Hope Association providing services to women recovering from addiction in an inpatient setting. She also pulls from experience working with domestic violence/interpersonal partner violence, PTSD, CPTSD, co-dependency, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, substance use/abuse, 12-step programs, weight loss, and family court. When Amanda doesn’t have her nose stuck in trauma research, she enjoys watching her daughter in competitive dance, being at the beach, playing board games with family and friends, going to concerts, and unwinding with her favorite TV shows.

Christine Mullan, LMSW

BIO COMING SOON!

HOW WE HELP

Psychotherapy

Northwest Counseling therapists are all fully licensed by the State of Michigan to practice independently. Our clinicians use a host of therapeutic approaches and collectively have over 50 years of counseling experience.

EMDR

One of our clinicians (Denise Griggs) is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Please contact Denise Griggs at denisegriggs@nw-counseling.com for more information.

Neurofeedback

Our Brainpaint system records your brains electrical activity and analyzes the data to identify sources of symptoms. This data creates a training program focused on personal growth areas.Learn more.

Acupuncture

One of our clinicians (Susan Gill) is certified in acupuncture. Please contact Susan Gill at susangill@nw-counseling.com for more information.

Play Therapy

Several of our clinicians utilize play therapy techniques in their treatment of children. Play therapy and artistic modalities are used as the form of expressive language for the child to address their therapeutic issues.

CISD

We are available for critical incident stress debriefing and on site crisis intervention.

INTAKE FORMS

Thank you for visiting our website. Before your appointment, please print out the intake forms below, fill it out, and you may either fax it to our office or bring it to your appointment. If you choose not to fill out the form in advance, please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to your appointment to your appointment in order to fill out the necessary information. Thank you!